Leveraging Japanese Sado Island Farmers’ GIAHS Inclusivity by Understanding Their Perceived Involvement

Abstract

Sado Island in the Niigata prefecture is among the first Globally Important Agriculture Heritage Systems (GIAHSs) in Japan and among developed countries worldwide. Recent studies have pointed out the need to incorporate culture and farmer opinions to further strengthen GIAHS inclusivity in rural farming. In connection to this, this study explored whether farmer visibility, which is highlighted by GIAHS designation, actually translates to farmers’ actual perceptions of GIAHS involvement. A survey was conducted among Sado Island farmers to determine their knowledge and perception of their GIAHS involvement, in connection to their perspectives on youth involvement, Sado Island branding, and tourism management. Results showed that 56.3% of Sado Island farmers feel uninvolved or unsure towards the GIAHS, which is in stark contrast with the prevalent farming method in the area, special farming (which complies with GIAHS regulations) (77.3%). Further analyses revealed that farmers who feel that the GIAHS does not promote youth involvement, Sado Island branding, and tourism management have a higher predisposition to perceive themselves as uninvolved towards the GIAHS. This study highlights the need for careful reevaluation and integration of farmer insights and needs into the current GIAHS implementation in Sado Island and in other GIAHSs as well.

Drivers of Environmental Conservation Agriculture in Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

“…Japan has been very active in the promotion of sustainable agriculture for several decades, of which the preservation of traditional farming, agro-culture, and biodiversity is highly valued. This enabled Japan's different prefectures to apply and get designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) [21]. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defined GIAHS as "outstanding landscapes of aesthetic beauty that combine agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems, and a valuable cultural heritage".…”

“…At present, there are 11 sites designated as GIAHS in Japan. These are in the prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata, Shizuoka, Kumamoto, Oita, Gifu, Wakayama, Miyazaki, Miyagi, and Tokushima [21]. This paper particularly focused on Sado Island in Niigata prefecture, one of the first GIAHS sites designated in a developed country.…”

Farmer Perspectives on the Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability of Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) in Namobuddha Municipality, Kavre, Nepal

“…However, the adoption of ECA practices is not without challenges. Studies have shown that farmers face various constraints in adopting ECA practices, such as limited access to essential resources that can hinder their acceptance and adoption of ECA [17,18].…”

Cultural Capital of Sea Salt Farming in Ban Laem District of Phetchaburi Province as per the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

“…It is closely connected to food culture and societal customs. Various agricultural heritage programs worldwide, such as the farmers' rice cultivation on Sado Island in Japan, known for the Toki branding, encompass a range of crops such as persimmons, apples, pears, cherries, oranges, strawberries, watermelons, and shiitake mushrooms [25]. Similarly, the Xuanhua vineyard culture in China represents another agricultural culture within the GIAHS framework [26].…”